If you’re in the market to pull a heavy load and you want a Nissan, more than one option is available.
Of course there is the 2018 Nissan Titan and Titan XD, both pickup trucks with a solid platform for towing. But if you don’t want the open bed in the back and would rather haul people and cargo inside your vehicle, there is always the Nissan Armada.
Unlike in the last generation, the Armada is no longer based on the same platform as the Titan. In 2017, Nissan began importing the Patrol, a large body-on-frame SUV that is sold in many world markets, and rebadging it as the Armada for North America. With its new underpinnings and a 5.6-liter V8 under the hood, the Armada can tow a maximum of 8,500 pounds, while our long-term Nissan Titan can pull up to 9,200 pounds.
Both vehicles use the exact same powetrain, a 5.6-liter V8 that makes 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque, sent through a seven-speed automatic transmission. What’s also interesting is that both use a 2.93 rear end axle ratio, favoring fuel economy over torque.
So, which one of these Nissans will tow up the Ike Gauntlet with more confidence? And most importantly, would we rather take a pickup truck or an SUV? You’ll have to watch the video to find out.
